For many parents, life can get in the way of a college degree when there is no time, money or energy, but with Metropolitan Community College’s parent involvement program, it is possible to head back to school.

Cynthia Stubblefield, who is in the program, studies, works and raises seven kids.

“I have a ninth-grader, and I really press her to go to college, and for me to do that I have to be successful in doing so as well,” Stubblefield said.

A grant funds the project for 14 low-income, first-generation college students with kids in metro schools. The program funds foundation classes for each parent and sets up a group meeting twice a month for them to talk about class and to connect as parents.

“A networking group to where we're all doing the same thing, which is going to school and trying to raise successful children,” Stubblefield said.

Elmer Crumbley with the college is passionate about the possibilities for these parents. He was a first-generation college student and now he is helping others succeed.

“I believe in dreams,” he said.

Medesse Noukopcounkou’s dream is to become a nurse. She moved from Africa to the United States with her two kids.

“It would change a lot. That would be good for my family,” she said.

The heart of the program is to overcome barriers as a family, changing lives for future generations.

“There's no experience like that -- to see the light come on, to see that students are so close to their dream,” Crumbley said.

The grant at the college will fund the parent involvement program for the next two years.

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